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Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Our guest this episode is playwright Bushra Burney, whose new play Designated Muslim had its first staged reading earlier this month. Bushra shares the origins of this play, why she was moved to write it, and the process of bringing it to the page and beyond. It's a fascinating window into how American Muslims are striving to make a place in pop culture for their culture. Listen to the embed below (or via iTunes or Stitcher), and as always, please hit "like" on our Facebook page, and send any comments or questions to DiffusedCongruence@gmail.com.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

For this month's Nostalgia Theater I mark twenty-five years since Cheers -- one of the greatest TV show of all time -- left the airwaves. I was in junior high at the time, but I remember well how anticipated it was. A legitimate cultural event that prompted joy and sadness in equal measure. And in the intervening quarter-century the show has remained as beloved as it was during its initial run. My guest for this episode is legendary writer/producer Phoef Sutton, who was with the show for most of its legendary eleven-season run, starting as a staff writer and working his way up to showrunner. Phoef has plenty of stories to share from his time tending bar at the place Where Everybody Knows Your Name, reflecting how the show stayed vibrant through many different cast and crew changes, what it was like to say goodbye, and just what it was that made Cheers such a special experience for the people who made it and the people who watched. As always, you can listen to the show via the embed below, or subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or TuneIn Radio. As always, send all questions or comments our way via MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to hit "like" on our Facebook page.

Monday, May 14, 2018

When the first Deadpool was released two years ago last Valentine's Day weekend, its stratospheric success caught most prognosticators entirely by surprise (including, I suspect, the studio that released it). The gloriously R-rated, unapologetically sex-and-violence soaked Ryan Reynolds star vehicle cost Fox a relatively piddly $60 million to produce, and managed to accumulate an awe-inspiring $780+ mil when all was said and done. That kind of haul instantly put this low-key X-Men spin-off in the winningest of win columns, placing Marvel's "Merc with the Mouth" alongside the Batmans and Iron Mans of the world when it comes to superhero heavy hitters.

Of course, in the high stakes world of franchise filmmaking (and the X-Men films have been a Fox touchstone for nearly two decades), the ultimate measure of success can only truly be found in how soon and and how often the purse string people reassemble the various ingredients to dutifully dish out more of the same. Thus, here we are two years later with Deadpool 2, which is indeed more of the same. This is one of the clearest examples of "Give the audience what they want" sequels I can think of. It has just as much violence, just as much profanity, and just as many whiplash-inducing one-liners. And while I liked the first Deadpool fine, I'm as shocked as anyone that I liked Deadpool 2 slightly more.

Wednesday, May 09, 2018

For this episode we're glad to be joined by Jihad Turk, founder and president of Bayan Claremont -- the country's first graduate school to offer accredited Master’s degrees in the fields of Islamic Studies, Education, Chaplaincy and Leadership -- for a lengthy and enriching conversation that spans his own personal narrative and encompasses the role of Muslims in modern American life and what they can offer the broader community. Check out our chat below (or via iTunes or Stitcher), and as always, please hit "like" on our Facebook page, and send any comments or questions to DiffusedCongruence@gmail.com.

Sunday, May 06, 2018

Avengers: Infinity War is vacuuming up money by the bagful, and the MovieFilm boys reconvened to take stock of the records that have been laid waste in the wake of the Marvel Studios superhero extravaganza. But that’s not all! We also have our enthusiastic initial reactions to YouTube Red’s Karate Kid sequel series Cobra Kai. Plus: Superman Henry Cavill turns 35, and we have news of a new director interested in helming a Man of Steel sequel, the controversy over The Simpsons’ Apu, and the mystery of what happened to Nicolas Cage’s National Treasure franchise, and much more! As always, you can stream the episode below, or listen via iTunes or Stitcher. And please make sure to hit “like” on our Facebook page and let us know how we’re doing by writing a review!

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Thanos has arrived! The MovieFilm boys get Infinity Stoned with special guest Glenn Greenberg, former editor at Marvel Comics, for a fun, in-depth, and spoiler-filled discussion for the entire episode focusing on Avengers: Infinity War, the latest blockbuster from Marvel Studios! We discuss the plot, what we loved, what confused us, and much more! We had an absolutely blast recording this one, and we know you'll enjoy hearing it through the link below or at iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play. As always, please make sure to hit “like” on our Facebook page, and send any questions or comments to MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com.

Thursday, April 26, 2018

It was just under ten years ago -- an eternity! -- that the Marvel Cinematic Universe sprang into being with the first Iron Man film and The Incredible Hulk. Back then it was considered an audacious and risky move for the comic book company -- still smarting after a recent bout of Chapter 11 -- to pursue dreams of Hollywood glory by self-funding movies and putting its own characters up as collateral. Well, that was eighteen films, one corporate buyout, and several billion dollars ago. Nowadays, "risky" is just about the last thing that springs to mind when one sees the "Marvel Studios" logo in front of a movie.

From Iron Man and Captain America to Thor and Guardians of the Galaxy. From Ant-Man and Doctor Strange to Spider-Man and Black Panther. It's been an astonishing run of extraordinary success for the Disney-owned superhero factory -- one that other studios have desperately struggled to match -- and it's given them an unprecedented level of audience buy-in for the characters, the actors, and the world. This leaves us perfectly positioned for the release of Avengers: Infinity War, which not only marks the studio's tenth anniversary standing astride the cinematic landscape, but also begins to tie together many of the threads woven over that time.

Friday, April 20, 2018

Our guest for this episode is Imam Shane Atkinson, Muslim life coordinator at Elon University, who joins us to share the story of his own to journey to Islam from his beginnings as a Southern Baptist in the Deep South. It's a fun and engaging discussion we're sure you'll enjoy, and you can hear it via the embed below, or via iTunes or Stitcher. As always, please hit "like" on our Facebook page, and send any comments or questions to DiffusedCongruence@gmail.com.

Thursday, April 19, 2018

In part two of our full season recap, we turn our focus to chapter two, as well as the larger implications that Star Trek: Discovery has for its full franchise. Listen as our panel — Chris Clow (Movies.com, Comics on Consoles), Rachael Clow (Biology PhD candidate), Cicero Holmes (Spawn On Me Cast), and me! — along with special guest Shareef Jackson (Spawn On Me, ShareefJackson.com) to do what we can to place Discovery in the legacy of Star Trek as we await season two!

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

On the latest Nostalgia Theater show I was fortunate to be joined by Mark Hughes, film critic, Forbes contributor, and Superman super-fan, for a celebration of the Man of Steel's big 80th anniversary just in time for the momentous 1000th issue of Action Comics to hit store shelves! Mark and I reminisce about our shared affinity for this most iconic of superheroes, offer our opinions on the different depictions of Superman onscreen, and give our thoughts on his various comic book iterations. It's a celebration of steel! And you can hear it all via the embed below, or by subscribing iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or TuneIn Radio. As always, send all questions or comments our way via MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to hit "like" on our Facebook page.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

It's been awhile, but the MovieFilm boys are back with a brand new commentary track! For this installment, we celebrate the ten year anniversary of the Marvel Cinematic Universe -- and also get teed up for next week's Avengers: Infinity War -- by watching and talking through the movie that got the whole multibillion dollar mega-franchise started: 2008's Iron Man! Hear lifelong Iron-fan Zaki and relative newbie Brian drop their reactions to this most seminal of superhero flicks directed by Jon Favreau and starring Robert Downey Jr., including some of the development history, casting choices, creative decisions, and much more! Listen below or via iTunes or Stitcher or TuneIn Radio (and make sure to write us a review!). Drop us a line at MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com, or at our Facebook page to tell us how we're doing!

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Dwayne Johnson is back with the new action opus Rampage, and the MovieFilm boys are here with their spoilery takes on the Rock’s latest! Listen in to hear if this is the best video game adaptation ever made, or if that statement is a contradiction in terms. Plus: The Rock’s Furious feud with Vin Diesel! The Terminator gets rebooted again! And remembering legendary the late director Milos Forman. Also: Star Wars news, Listener Letters, and more! Hear it at iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play. As always, please make sure to hit “like” on our Facebook page, and send any questions or comments to MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Welcome back to your Discovery Debrief! In part one of our two-part final discussion pertaining to the specifics of season one, our panel of bold Star Trek franchise explorers — Chris Clow (Movies.com, Comics on Consoles), Rachael Clow (Biology PhD candidate), Cicero Holmes (Spawn On Me Cast), and me! — are joined by special guest Shareef Jackson (Spawn On Me, ShareefJackson.com) to unpack things further!

In this half, we settle back into the groove of talking Trek with each other and with you, letting you know how we've been engaging with the franchise and what the latest news is surrounding the soon-to-shoot second season. Then, we go a bit more in-depth on episodes 1-9 of Star Trek: Discovery season one for your listening pleasure!

Wednesday, April 04, 2018

This week the MovieFilm boys tackle the latest special effects opus from Steven Spielberg, Ready Player One! Listen in for a spoiler-filled discussion of the much-anticipated adaptation of the Ernest Cline novel as we ponder what worked for us, what didn’t, and whether we’d revisit the OASIS. But that’s not all! We also mourn the passing of TV legend Steven Bochco, make some predictions about who won’t make it out of Avengers: Infinity War, and discuss the future of the Jurassic Park franchise. Plus: Star Wars news, Listener Letters, and more! You can hear it through the link below or at iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play. As always, please make sure to hit “like” on our Facebook page, and send any questions or comments to MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com.

Monday, April 02, 2018

This episode we're joined by Dr. Abdullah bin Hamid Ali, founder of Lamppost Productions and the Lamppost Education Initiative, and head of Zaytuna College’s Islamic law program. Listen in to hear the story of his journey to Islam, as well as his reflections on racial and religious intersectionality as it pertains to the role of Black Americans in modern discourse, plus much more. We had a great time chatting with Dr. Ali, and we're confident you'll enjoy listening as well. Listen below, or via iTunes or Stitcher. As always, please hit "like" on our Facebook page, and send any comments or questions to DiffusedCongruence@gmail.com.

Saturday, March 31, 2018

And we're back with the latest Nostalgia Theater Commentary Trek! My friend Glenn Greenberg, writer of many Star Trek books and comics, is my co-pilot once again as we talk through one of hte most divisive Star Trek adventures ever put onscreen, 1989's Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. As always, you'll hear personal histories with this sequel, with plenty of trivia and behind-the-scenes anecdotes sprinkled in as we watch William Shatner's sole directing effort in the Star Trek movie catalogue. We're almost done with the classic Trek movies, but that doesn't mean we're running out of things to say! Click below to listen, or subscribe at iTunes, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Radio, or Google Play (and remember to leave a review!). As always, send all questions or comments our way via MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to hit "like" on our Facebook page.

Thursday, March 22, 2018

For this episode of the show, I'm joined by Brian C. Baer, author of the new book How He-Man Mastered the Universe: Toy to Television to the Big Screen for a fun and engaging conversation about the 1980s action figure phenomenon from Mattel that was so integral to so many childhoods. Brian shares the origins of his own He-Man fandom, and then delves into the origins of the toyline, the iconic animated series, and even the ill-fated 1987 motion picture, as well as making some predictions about what lies ahead for the Most Powerful Man in the Universe. You can listen to the show via the embed below, or subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher Radio, or TuneIn Radio. As always, send all questions or comments our way via MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to hit "like" on our Facebook page!

Monday, March 12, 2018

We were lucky enough to get a few moments with visiting scholar Ubaydullah Evans and returning guest Micah Anderson a few weeks ago, and got both of them to sit down for a brief, freewheeling conversation about a whole host of topics we think you'll be very enthused to share in. Check out our chat below (or via iTunes or Stitcher), and know that we have every intention of having both of them back soon for something more in-depth. Think of this as a teaser of things to come! As always, please hit "like" on our Facebook page, and send any comments or questions to DiffusedCongruence@gmail.com.

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Attention all personnel! Today marks exactly 35 years to the day that the classic TV series M*A*S*H aired its final episode on CBS. The two-hour event remains the highest rated TV episode of all time, and to celebrate the occasion I'm honored to be joined by none other than Captain BJ Hunnicutt himse, Mike Farrell, for a fun hour of reminiscing about his most iconic role, the impact of the show this many decades later, as well as his past and present political activism! This one was an absolute blast to record, and I'm confident it'll be just as much of a blast for you to hear! Listen via the embed below, or subscribe at iTunes, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Radio, or Google Play (and remember to leave a review!). Like always, send any questions or comments to MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com, and don't forget to hit "like" on our Facebook page.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Black Panther is a movie that, of necessity, means different things to different audiences. As the latest entry in Disney’s expansive Marvel Cinematic Universe, it holds a specific appeal to longtime comic fans and those who’ve been indoctrinated by the films’ famous interwoven continuity across multiple superhero series. In addition, as the first mega-budget superhero picture centered on a black protagonist and a mostly black supporting cast, it serves as the focal point of a specific cultural moment that has amplified its importance and expectations both within and without the superhero genre.

That said, this is a movie that very much meets the importance of its moment head-on. Black Panther is significant for what it is, and significant for what it isn’t. Much as Wonder Woman did last summer, it expands the boundaries of what to expect from this genre while telling a traditional story of classical heroism and eschewing the stereotypes associated with being a “minority” movie. Not only does it shine its spotlight on a hero destined to become an icon and role model for generations of kids of all colors, it also debuts a villain in Michael B. Jordan’s Erik Killmonger who emerges as one of the most complicated and multi-layered antagonists in the entire Marvel onscreen arsenal.

Monday, February 26, 2018

In a bit of a bittersweet discussion and analysis, our group of bold Star Trek franchise explorers — Chris Clow (Movies.com, Comics on Consoles), Rachael Clow (Biology PhD candidate), Cicero Holmes (Spawn On Me Cast), and me! — delve into Star Trek: Discovery's first season finale, "Will You Take My Hand?," and get into the weeds of how well — or perhaps not so well — we all thought the show stuck its proverbial landing.

Did the character interactions do the finale justice? Was the plot wrapped up in a satisfying way? WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED AT THE END?!

All this and more is waiting in our 17th episode! Plus, we answer your questions, and hint at what's next for the future of Discovery Debrief now that our subject show has concluded its inaugural season. Download and listen now!

Friday, February 23, 2018

One week after its record-destroying opening weekend, the MovieFilm boys are back to offer some additional thoughts on the phenomenon that is Marvel Studios’ Black Panther and what its unprecedented success means for the superhero genre. In addition, we react to news that futures of Paramount’s Transformers shared cinematic universe and Warner Bros.’ DC Comics shared cinematic universe are looking uncertain in the wake of the disappointing returns on last summer’s Transformers: The Last Knight and last fall’s Justice League respectively (including the sudden news that writer/director Joss Whedon has bolted his planned Batgirl film!). But that’s not all! Director Danny Boyle is the frontrunner to direct the 25th James Bond adventure, star Daniel Craig’s fifth and final go-round as 007. Plus: Word that Star Wars: Episode XI is already in shooting shape, Mark Hamill is getting a star on Walk of Fame, and the biggest Star Wars toy in history may soon be in the hot and eager hands of collectors! It’s podcasting jazz this week, and we’re composing as we go! Listen at iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play. And like always, please make sure to hit “like” on our Facebook page, and send any questions or comments to MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com.

Friday, February 16, 2018

Black Panther is in theaters now, on its way to what’s sure to be a record-setting opening weekend, and we’re here alongside special guest Aaron Neuwirth of the Out Now with Aaron and Abe Podcast for a fun and spoiler-filled conversation about the latest (greatest?) comic book epic from Marvel Studios! We dive deep into the themes, ambitions, and execution of the Ryan Coogler-directed film starring Chadwick Boseman, and give our takes on some of the ways it represents a bold leap forward for the superhero genre. In addition, we also give thoughts on the new trailers for Spider-Man spin-off Venom, and belated Karate Kid sequel Cobra Kai! Plus, we also have some Star Wars news about the ways Solo: A Star Wars Story is drawing on the franchise’s past to guide its future. Plus: Listener Letters, and much more! You can hear it through the link below or at iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play. As always, please make sure to hit “like” on our Facebook page, and send any questions or comments toMovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Click the embed below to hear the latest episode of Multiverse Musings, featuring a guest appearance from me fondly reminiscing about one of my all-time fave flicks, 1978's Superman: The Movie (in what's becoming something of a habit for me of late), as well as some conversation about the upcoming Krypton and Metropolis TV shows, and much more. I had a great time with this one batting opinions back and forth with hosts Adam Basciano and Jordan Valdes, and I hope you do as well when you listen! If you dig what they're putting out, be sure to subscribe here.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Just in time for the season finale, the panelists of DISCOVERY DEBRIEF — Chris Clow (Movies.com, Comics on Consoles), Rachael Clow (Biology PhD candidate), Cicero Holmes (Spawn On Me Cast), and me! — return to discuss the penultimate episode of Star Trek: Discovery's first season: "The War Without, the War Within!" Get our takes, our predictions, and our disagreements about how the show will stick the landing in the season finale, as well as the implications that Discovery is starting to have on the wider Star Trek canon. PLUS: we discuss the latest controversy that's embroiled director Quentin Tarentinto, and what it may mean for his potentially developing Star Trek film. Should he stay involved? Should he stay the course? It's all waiting to come to your ears at warp speed!

Thursday, February 08, 2018

As the first season for Star Trek: Discovery winds down, our diversely opinionated panel of Star Trek aficionados — Chris Clow (Movies.com, Comics on Consoles), Rachael Clow (Biology PhD candidate), Cicero Holmes (Spawn On Me Cast), and me! — reel from the latest action-heavy episode of our subject series! With the revelation concerning Gabriel Lorca's origins having come to light, what do we feel about how the show treats the other characters we've come to know and love?

PLUS, we answer YOUR questions, but also react in the beginning to the news that William Shatner apparently wants to bring the Prime version of legendary Captain James T. Kirk into director Quentin Tarentino's allegedly developing new Star Trek film project. Are we ready to line back up behind the original captain, or do we feel...differently? Be sure to find out in episode 15!

Tuesday, February 06, 2018

The first (and long awaited) trailer for Solo: A Star Wars Story is finally here, and we just had to just couldn't wait to discuss it! Listen in to hear the boys' initial impressions in this special mini-episode of MovieFilm. You can hear it all via the embed below, or at iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play. And if you haven’t already, please make sure to hit “like” on our Facebook page, and send any questions or comments to MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com.

Sunday, January 28, 2018

The MovieFilm boys react to this week's Oscar nominations and offer some very early predictions on who we we think will take home the gold! In addition, hear our thoughts on the latest headlines out of Hollywood, including word that Indiana Jones 5 is Steven Spielberg's next, a(nother) RoboCop sequel may be in the offing, and more! Plus: A quick catch-up on the latest Star Wars news, some belated reactions to the trailers for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Ocean's 8, and Sicario 2, Brian's story about meeting The Room's director/star Tommy Wiseau, and a new batch of Listener Letters! Listen to it all via the embed below or at iTunes or Stitcher or Google Play. If you haven’t already, make sure to hit “like” on our Facebook page, and send any questions or comments to MovieFilmPodcast@gmail.com.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

I once again joined my friends at the Batman-on-Film.com Podcast this weekend to talk up one of my favorite subjects: Superman in the movies! Now, it's not like I need an excuse to talk some Kal-El, so I was more than happy to be part of conversation alongside hosts Rick Shew and Justin Kowalski, and special guest Sheraz Farooqi (ComicBookDebate.com). We covered not only our personal histories with the Man of Steel onscreen, but also where we'd like things to go next. Whether Superman fan or not, I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did. Download here or listen via the embed below: